Chapter 8 - The Return to Maple Ridge
Three months later.
The autumn leaves in Vermont were ablaze with deep scarlet, bright orange, and golden yellow. The crisp mountain air carried the sweet scent of woodsmoke and apple cider.
The main street of Maple Ridge was closed to traffic.
Streamers of white linen and gold ribbon hung between the old oak trees lining the town square. Tables covered in white tablecloths were set up along the green, overflowing with local cider, fresh pastries, and roasting turkeys prepared by the newly renovated kitchen of Millie’s Corner Café.
The entire town was there.
The same neighbors who had lowered their voices in the church parking lot fifteen months ago were now laughing, dancing, and drinking cider alongside executives from Manhattan, local loggers, and farm hands.
At the center of the green stood a grand wooden pavilion decorated with hundreds of white roses and autumn leaves.
Maya stood inside the pavilion wearing a breathtaking, simple white lace gown that flowed gently around her ankle-length hem. Her dark hair was styled in soft waves with small sprigs of fresh white jasmine pinned behind her ear. She looked glowing, radiant, and completely at peace.
Beside her stood Ethan, wearing a dark navy suit, holding two-year-old Lily in his arms. Lily was wearing a matching white lace dress, giggling as she waved a small wooden wand with white ribbons attached to it.
Uncle David stood beside them, wearing a brand-new suit that Ethan had custom-ordered for him from Boston, wiping his eyes with a plaid handkerchief.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Vermont," the elderly local judge announced with a wide, warm smile, "I now declare you, once again, husband and wife!"
The crowd erupted into loud cheers and applause. Loggers banged their heavy mugs together, local diner waitresses cheered, and Arthur Harrison, standing in the front row beside Julian Ross, clapped with genuine joy.
Ethan leaned in, pulling Maya close by her waist, and kissed her under the shower of falling autumn leaves.
"I love you, Mrs. Vance," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you, Mr. Vance," Maya smiled back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
As the music started—played by a local bluegrass band that Maya had listened to since she was a little girl—Ethan took Lily and set her down on the grass, letting her run toward Uncle David, who immediately picked her up and swung her around in a circle.
Ethan took Maya’s hand, leading her toward the edge of the pavilion, looking out over the joyful crowd.
A sleek black car was parked near the edge of the town square, its driver waiting quietly.
Marcus walked up to Ethan, holding a small leather portfolio. "Mr. Vance... the final legal documents regarding your mother's sentencing came through from the district attorney this morning."
Ethan looked at the portfolio but didn't open it. "What is the verdict, Marcus?"
"In exchange for a full confession and the surrender of all her remaining corporate assets, she has accepted a plea deal," Marcus reported quietly. "Ten years at a minimum-security federal facility in upstate New York. Her legal team tried to request a pardon using her medical status, but the judge denied it."
Maya looked at Ethan. "How do you feel?"
Ethan took a deep breath of the cold, clean Vermont air, watching his daughter laughing in Uncle David's arms.
"I feel like the past is finally over," Ethan said softly. He took the portfolio from Marcus and handed it back without reading a single page. "Send her a small monthly allowance from my private account so she has access to proper care inside. But tell her legal team that I will not be visiting. My family is here."
Marcus nodded respectfully, turned, and walked back toward the car.
Ethan put his arm around Maya’s waist, pulling her flush against his side as the bluegrass band played a slow, beautiful waltz.
May you like
"Ready to dance, my love?" he asked.
"Always," Maya whispered.
